Philip Akers has been named the new vice chancellor for advancement and external relations at the University of Washington Bothell. Akers will succeed Dr. Richard Penny, who will retire in January 2016 after nearly eight years of service with the university. Akers will join UW Bothell on February 1, 2016.

As vice chancellor, Akers will be responsible for leading the overall direction for advancement, alumni, communications and external relations programs. He will work closely with the campus advisory board and volunteer leadership, as well as university advancement.

“We are delighted to welcome Phil to our campus,” says Chancellor Wolf Yeigh. “He has an impressive track record in building strong partnerships and financial support in higher education. He will provide outstanding leadership to this university, especially as we continue on our trajectory of excellence and growth.” Yeigh says he is excited that Akers will build upon the tremendous success the university has experienced under Dr. Penny’s leadership during a time of unprecedented growth in student enrollment, academic programs, financial support and external partnerships.

Akers has more than 25 years of experience in higher education advancement, most recently as Senior Director of Leadership Gifts and College Programs at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Previously, he served as Vice President for University Relations at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon from 2007-2011. He has also been Vice President at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon, and Regional Director of Development for Washington State University Spokane.

Akers holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Portland. He is active in several organizations including the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and served on the CASE Board of Trustees from 2008-2011.

About UW Bothell: Ranked No. 1 in the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest on Money magazine’s list of best colleges, UW Bothell provides access to an exceptional University of Washington education for students of tremendous potential. Offering more than 45 undergraduate and graduate degrees, options, certificates and concentrations, UW Bothell builds regional partnerships, inspires change, creates knowledge, shares discoveries and prepares students for leadership in the state of Washington and beyond.